Chapter 2: Legion

A usual day at Weiss... The typical me, with Rimu on top, thinking of different ideas as I walk.

"Mutter-mutter-mutter"

'4th Law of Magic states...'

"So I can still raise my pathetically low Magical Capacity"

With my thoughts, perplexing as always, I came to the conclusion. 'That guy seems knowledgeable.'

I surmised thus. 'Judging from the way he dresses... Uncultured as a low-class, but that unrefined mannerisms facade disproves otherwise. This guy's a sheltered noble seeking the outside world.'

With him, resting on an outdoor cafe's seat, sipping his cup, uncouthly. "Excuse me. Mind I sit with you?"

Roughly, he replied. "What do you need?" I then arranged the metallic chair and sat parallel to him. "I apologize for occupying your precious time but I'd like to ask something regarding the Legions. I'd like to know exactly where it's located and how to apply" Straightforwardly, I inquired.

"Ha?"

'Don't 'Ha,' me. I already know where and how to apply. I just need to extract more info covertly. I can't afford to make a blunder'

"..."

"It's in the central palace. If you're an adventurer, you should know that."

'This guy's perceptive for observing my wrist... Although, it's well within expectations'

"Mhmm, sadly, adventurer I might be, you see, I'm quite an airhead... Ahaha."

"Hmph..."

'—TsunTsun?!'

With a stare, ever so dazzling, I gave off a vibrant smile. "Since I'm from another country, mind telling me about Weiss? I heard Weiss accepts everyone so I thought I'd try, giving it a shot... The Legion assessment."

"Why not figure it out yourself?"

Somewhat ticked off, I awkwardly, yet naturally expressed a grin. Touching the back of my head, "Hahh, If only—"

"Besides, a guy like you. I'm pretty sure you're gonna fail. The tests are similar to what adventurers do but it's not that menial type of test."

'Tsk, sharp mouthed brat. But well, I see... Guess I was right.'

"Hehhh, you sure know a lot..."

'—Despite looking like a plebian'

Standing up, he slapped the table making a smashing sound and bellowed

"Ah! I do not! It's common sense!"

'Yeah, man. Your words are contradicting. Only high-class nobles would know that much. Stay in character. Else you're gonna get dragged back to your good ol' mansion — That's not something that benefits me.'

"Haha, my deepest apologies."

"—In any case, the reason why they accept everyone is because no one ever passes"

'Hmmm, sounds tough but worth a shot'

"You can't really know the outcome unless you try."

Chatter-Chatter

And so, our small-talk lasted for a few more mins. Meanwhile, I created a conversation that could extract essential information out of him... There were times he snapped. Nonetheless, I kept composed. He ticked me off, yet kept my unwavering airhead-smile.

"Well, then, thanks for entertaining me. I shall be off."

'That worked proficiently.'

As I waved my hands towards him, 'To the palace, I go!' And so, I arrived.

Using [Perception], I located the place for application. From there,

"Woah, the palace's huge... Lots of adventurers."

'Guess they're taking the test too'

Wobble

"Cute as always"

'Time to apply'

Further up ahead, was a woman assessing their magic capacity using the same tool as on that Adventurer Guild. I fell in line and waited for a couple 'few minutes.

"Kindly verify your Adventurer Pass... Please place your hand on the marble."

[...]

[Capacity: 150]

Brief laughs followed...

"Please proceed to the Central Hall and wait for your turn"

Thus, I advanced... As I settled myself, people came out from the portal in front of me. Their bodies, rough and scarred. Waited long. Rimu pranced while those who were behind in line talked trash behind my back.

"That guy's reckless."

'—Hey, I hear you... Tsk, just you wait.'

"He's definitely in for the pain. Go home kid."

[Kagezuchi Shuma.]

A monotonous voice announced my name. Hence, I proceeded...

Ahead of me were structures, resembling an elevator. Beneath, was a magical formula for teleportation and magic absorption.

"Yup, figures. This time, fight off some monsters but not quite."

Whoosh...

Redirected at a Spatial Dimension which was created by the formula, I appeared at an abysmal place. Devoid of light, yet not quite dark.

'Rimu, be prepared'

Swoosh!

Seemingly infinite Black Knights, armed with different weapons, materialized. Even so, I remained confident.

I forged ahead! As I was getting closer, The knights attacked with swords "Clang!" defended with my conjured weapon.

"Tsk, these guys. They're a hell lot tougher than the usual mobs I face!"

Clang! With the enemy surrounding me, I made use of [Aquatic Control]. Afterwards covering the produced liquid sphere. Using [Vacuum]...

The water's molecules were compressed to the size of a clenched fist. I released [Skill: Vacuum, Activated]. Whoosh-Swish! Countless Black soldiers were annihilated. While I remain protected by [Skill: Spherical Gale, Activated]

'I've improved a hell - Clang! - Lot, but - Clang! - these guys are just stronger than those Floor monsters! I can hardly adjust thanks to [Skill: Empirical, Activated] and [Skill: Passive Progression, Activated]!'

Soloing each Knight as to whittle down their numbers, I strengthened my legs using [Skill: Physical Enforcement, Activated]... Leaped high.

'[Skill: Flames of the Nether, Activated]! Apply Hydrogen!'

Bang!

Multiple of them, dematerialized. While I continued slashing and dashing, "I can perceive their increase!" Their numbers kept increasing. Nevertheless, I kept fighting!

'[Skill: Passive Progression, Activated]! Heighten my senses! Analyze! Coordinate!'

[Special Skill: Systemize, Acquired]

A skill, one that let me organize my skills, and execute them just as how game skills does.

[Skill: Systemize, Activated]

[Water Nebula Activated]

Splash!-Whoosh!

'This is easier! I don't need to manually combine skills! It's like a sub-skill system!'

Hence, I persevered... Plowing through the difficult opponents, I unified one skill to another. Repeatedly, I kept on...

Clang!-Slash!-Whoosh!-Slash!

I resisted for countless hours. 'Bang!' Explosions from blazing skills, 'Fwish!' Sounds from skills of wind and water... 'Thud' from that of the earth. The clash continued that I, myself have lost track of time.

"Huff... Huff... Huff — Clang!-Slash! Hang in there Rimu! You're gonna be unharmed!"

Never had I noticed my intensive sweating. My clothes, all ragged. But the fight carried on... 'til I got ripped by a single Knight's sword.

'Ah, I failed'

Bzzztttzzzz

Proclaimed in a robotic voice...

[Requirements Exceeded. Kagezuchi Shuma... Validated as a Legion]

I found myself, sitting on the Elevator-made-portal... Then projected in the middle...

'I... Did it!'

[Legion Knights Slain: 2543]

"That brat, really did it..."

[Requirements Exceeded. Suisei Yuuki... Validated as a Legion]

[Legion Knights Slain: 2768]

I stood up as the audiences clapped and whistled... Besides me was...

'She must be formidable... Hardly any scratches. — While I'm beat all over... Rather, she looks familiar.'

"Uhm, congratulations."

Turned my way, she gave off a cold-glare and ignored my greeting.

'... What a rude lady.'

[Authorized Legions... Transporting...]

Magia appeared all over me, including the girl named Suisei, Yuuki. As the Magia remained afloat, we became more and more transparent.

[Transport Successful]

In a place appearing to be the Throne Room... Surrounding us from the sides while minding their own businesses... '9 People in total'

I tried to interact. "Ah... Nice to meet you?" yet I got the "Tsk." treatment.

'— Unfriendly jerk'

Reexamining each and every one presently at the room, saw someone stare at me... United we hollered

"Hah! It's you!"

—"Hah! It's you"

Both of us pointed our fingers towards each other like total weirdoes... Approaching him consciously, I inquired "Takahiro-san, was it?"

"How about you, Shuma? Who would have thought... Fate let us meet sooner than I predicted."

'Honestly.'

Puzzled as to what to call him "Takahiro-san...-kun." He interrupted "Hiro is good" So I went with thus; "H-Hiro-san..."

"Yeah, that works well!"

"So, Hiro-san. Oh, right. Before that. I apologize for my rude behavior last time. Also I've got a question." In a low tone, I added "What am I here for? I'm supposed to be finalizing the process on becoming a Legion? yet why am I on standb—?"

"Legion? You? Are you one of the 2 new Members?!"

"Shhhh... Yes. I am. So please don't make an embarrassing display!"

"Shuma. That's great! See, I don't quite get along with anyone here. Since these numbskulls are way too serious."

Looking at them, I sensed the tense atmosphere they emitted.

'Hahah, yeah I can tell'

"So what about we become buddies, Shuma."

Pausing, I thought to myself...

'Ah, friends, huh... I'd like to, but.'

"Hahah! There's no need to ask is there? From now on, We're buddies!"

'Impulsive! Somehow, he reminds me of... Me... I guess... If it's someone like Hiro-san...'

With a huge smile on my face, I proclaimed! "There's no need to ask!"

Hence, from that point forward, I befriended a Legion. Someone strong, dependable... Or so, I believed.

-End of Chapter-